Damascus Rose: Fragrance Profile
1. Overview
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One of the most prized rose species in perfumery, grown mainly in Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, Turkey (Isparta region), and Iran.
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Extracted as rose otto (steam distillation) or rose absolute (solvent extraction).
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Known as the “Queen of Roses” for its deep, multi-faceted aroma.
2. Aroma Character
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Rich, velvety, sweet-floral, honeyed, slightly spicy, with fruity and green undertones.
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Compared to other roses:
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More complex & spicy than Rosa centifolia (May Rose).
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Fuller and warmer than tea rose types.
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Can feel at once luxurious, romantic, and sensual.
👉 Overall impression: deep, opulent, floral heart with honey-spice warmth.
3. Chemical Composition
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Citronellol (30–40%) → fresh rosy sweetness.
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Geraniol (15–20%) → rosy, green, slightly citrusy.
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Nerol → fresh, citrus-rosy.
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Phenylethyl alcohol → honeyed, floral sweetness.
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Eugenol & methyl eugenol → spicy-warm, clove-like nuance.
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Trace damascenone → fruity, plum-honey depth.
4. Perfume Applications
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Used as a heart note in countless perfumes, from soliflores to orientals.
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Applications:
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Floral compositions → blends with jasmine, violet, peony.
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Oriental/amber perfumes → paired with spices, oud, resins.
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Chypres → balanced by oakmoss, patchouli.
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Modern gourmands → softened with vanilla, tonka, cocoa.
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Perfume examples:
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Serge Lutens – Sa Majesté La Rose → pure Damascus rose soliflore.
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Frederic Malle – Portrait of a Lady → rose + patchouli + incense.
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By Kilian – Rose Oud → Damascus rose with oud and woods.
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Chloé Eau de Parfum → rose as a fresh, modern signature.
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5. Mood & Symbolism
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Symbol of love, beauty, sensuality, and devotion.
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In perfumery:
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Romantic and timeless.
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Luxurious and opulent.
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Warm and intimate (especially when paired with oud, amber, or spice).
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Quick Summary Table
| Attribute | Profile |
|---|---|
| Origin | Rosa × damascena, cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran |
| Extraction | Rose otto (distillation), Rose absolute (solvent) |
| Aroma | Velvety, sweet, honeyed, spicy, fruity-floral |
| Chemistry | Citronellol, geraniol, nerol, PEA, damascenone |
| Perfume Role | Classic floral heart, luxurious signature |
| Mood | Romantic, sensual, opulent, timeless |
In essence: Damascus Rose is the archetypal rose note in perfumery—opulent, velvety, and multi-layered—used as the gold standard for romantic and luxurious floral fragrances.